Scleral plug system

Abstract

Scleral plug system for occluding a hole in the eye and for controlling irrigation during vitreo-retinal surgery in order to maintain a closed system during the procedure, and angled forceps for handling a scleral plug.

I claim:  
     
       1. A plug for use during vitreo-retinal surgery, comprising: 
       a. a cap; and  
       b. a shaft extending from the cap and comprising a narrow portion disposed proximally to the cap and a wide portion disposed distally to the cap, wherein the narrow portion has a cross-sectional dimension smaller than that of the wide portion, wherein the wide portion narrows to a tip at an end of the shaft distal to the cap and wherein the plug is adapted for temporary insertion into an eye at a sclerotomy site and subsequent removal.  
     
     
       2. The plug of  claim 1 , wherein the shaft is adjacent to the cap. 
     
     
       3. The plug of  claim 1 , further comprising a lumen extending through the shaft and the cap. 
     
     
       4. A plug for use during vitreo-retinal surgery, comprising 
       a. a shaft adapted to extend into the vitreous cavity,  
       b. a cap, and  
       c. a lumen extending through the shaft and cap.  
     
     
       5. The plug of  claim 4 , wherein at least one portion of the shaft has a diameter that is greater than a second portion of the shaft. 
     
     
       6. The plug of  claim 1 , wherein the wide portion of the shaft is curved in a longitudinal direction. 
     
     
       7. The plug of  claim 1 , wherein the transition between the narrow and wide portions is a surface curved n a longitudinal direction. 
     
     
       8. The plug of  claim 3 , wherein an end of the shaft extends into the vitreous cavity of an eye at a sclerotomy site. 
     
     
       9. The plug of  claim 3 , wherein the lumen is adapted to permit infusion and egress of fluid. 
     
     
       10. The plug of  claim 4 , wherein the lumen is adapted to permit infusion and egress of fluid. 
     
     
       11. The plug of  claim 4 , wherein the shaft is adapted to extend into the vitreous cavity and avoid disturbance of retina.